Coast Guard Assists Crew of Vessel Taking on Water

SEATTLE -- Coast Guard crews assisted three people after their vessel began taking on water three miles west of the Columbia Riverentrance, Friday.

Following dewatering efforts, a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew took the 46-foot fishing vessel Hornet into tow and safely delivered it and the crew to a marina in Ilwaco, Washington. Two of the Hornet's crewmembers sustained minor injuries during the incident but did not require medical attention.

"The strong communication and teamwork demonstrated by the boat and air crews during this case is a direct result of the constant training our crews complete on a daily basis," said Mark Dobney, command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Oregon. "Because of this, our crews were able to provide fast assistance to return the Hornet and its crew home safely."

Around 10:45 a.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco received a mayday call via VHF-FM radio over channel 16 from the crew of the Hornet stating that they were disabled, taking on water and in need of assistance.

Good Samaritans aboard the nearby fishing vessel Exodus proceeded to the scene in an effort to help.

Crews aboard the 47-foot MLB and the 52-foot Motor Life Boat Triumph from the station as well as an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Oregon, launched in response. They all arrived on scene around 11 a.m.

Shortly after arriving, a Hornet crewmember fell overboard and was recovered quickly by the crew of the 47-foot MLB. A crewmember from the 47-foot MLB also boarded the Hornet with a portable dewatering pump to assist the crew in dewatering efforts before taking the vessel safely in tow.

There have been no reports of pollution. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident and will attend the vessel in port to ensure any necessary repairs are made prior to the Hornet getting underway again. The Hornet is homeported inNewport, Oregon.

Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reportedly winds at 17 to 28 mph with seas of 13 feet and rain. Both the air and water temperature were 55 degrees fahrenheit.